F-14/15, Orbit Mall, Civil Lines, Jaipur-302006
Register & Login
How to check whether your PAN is linked?
In recent news, it has been reported that around 11.5 crore PAN cards have been deactivated due to non-linking with Aadhaar. This development has raised concerns among individuals who possess a PAN card but have not yet linked it with their Aadhaar card. In this article, we will delve into the background of this issue, understand the impact of non-linking PAN and Aadhaar, explore the deadline for linking the two, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to check whether your PAN is linked.
Background
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), in response to a Right to Information (RTI) request, revealed that out of the 70.24 crore PAN card holders in India, only 57.25 crore have connected their PAN cards to Aadhaar. This means that more than 12 crore PAN cards remain unlinked, leading to their deactivation. It is important to note that the linking of PAN and Aadhaar is mandatory as per the Income Tax rule.
Impact of Non-Linking PAN and Aadhaar
The deactivation of PAN cards due to non-linking with Aadhaar can have several implications for individuals. One major impact is the potential disruption in financial transactions. PAN is a crucial document for various financial activities, including filing income tax returns, opening bank accounts, and making large financial transactions. Without a valid and active PAN card, individuals may face difficulties in carrying out these activities smoothly.
Deadline for Linking PAN and Aadhaar
The deadline for linking PAN and Aadhaar was set for 30 June 2023. However, as per the RTI response, the deadline has passed and approximately 11.5 crore PAN cards have been deactivated due to non-linking. It is important to note that the consequences of not linking PAN and Aadhaar by the deadline can result in the deactivation of the PAN card.
Checking the Status of PAN-Aadhaar Linking
To check whether your PAN is linked with your Aadhaar card, you can follow these simple steps:
- Open the official Income Tax e-filing portal by visiting www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal/.
- On the homepage, locate and click on 'Link Aadhaar Status' on the left-hand side.
- Enter your PAN number and Aadhaar number in the designated fields.
- Click on 'View Link Aadhaar Status' to check the status of the PAN-Aadhaar linking.
By following these steps, you can easily determine whether your PAN card is linked with your Aadhaar card.
Reactivating Deactivated PAN Cards
If your PAN card has been deactivated due to non-linking with Aadhaar, there is still an opportunity to reactivate it. The RTI response mentioned that the deactivated PAN cards can be reactivated by paying a fine of ₹1,000. It is essential to complete the linking process and pay the fine within the stipulated time to reactivate your PAN card.
Update Aadhaar Documents for Free
Apart from the PAN-Aadhaar linking issue, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has extended the deadline to update Aadhaar documents for free. Individuals now have an additional three months, until 14 December 2023, to update their Aadhaar details without any charges. This update is particularly important for individuals who need to update their name, address, or details related to marriage or death. The details can be updated for free on the UIDAI website or physically at Common Services Centres (CSC) by paying a nominal fee of ₹25.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the deactivation of 11.5 crore PAN cards due to non-linking with Aadhaar has highlighted the importance of complying with the Income Tax rule. It is crucial for individuals to ensure that their PAN card is linked with their Aadhaar card to avoid any disruptions in financial transactions. By following the steps mentioned in this article, individuals can easily check the status of their PAN-Aadhaar linking. Additionally, those whose PAN cards have been deactivated can reactivate them by paying a fine. Lastly, individuals should take advantage of the extended deadline to update their Aadhaar documents for free.
